I read Choose Yourself by James Altucher. It literally changed my life. He recommends something called the Daily Practice. I've been doing it for 4 months now, and my life has changed dramatically. I have never been happier, or more motivated to do exactly what I want to do every day. I've gotten back in shape, started learning a martial art I've wanted to pursue for years, met a couple friends who will probably become lifelong friends, my sex life has improved dramatically, I'm not as needy in interactions with people, my art has improved considerably, and instead of feeling like I have to impress people or make people like me, I find myself asking, "What do I think about them?" and in general, "What do I want to do today?" Instead of just following the herd. I'd highly recommend his work, as it's the only thing I've seen that helps put the ball and the power back in your court.

A blogger I love, James Altucher had a great idea surrounding this issue: he said to make a "What I did today" list instead of a "To-Do" list. You'll always feel like you fall short if you don't accomplish everything on a To-Do list. A "What I did today list" brings up a sense of pride, accomplishment, and motivation to keep going. It's worked wonders for me, and makes me about twice as productive. Just my two cents.

I don't know if you're familiar with James Altucher's work at all, but he's written a couple books about this sort of subject, "Choose Yourself," and the "Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth." He also has a blog and a podcast. I'd highly recommend his work. Specifically the Daily Practice and the Idea Creation part. It's worked wonders for me, and it shows you a different path than the standard 9-5. Check him out, it changed my life.

Vanguard Target Retirement Funds: Do they invest in their own funds (Stock Index, ETFs, Bonds) and just balance it all out for you? Or would I be better off individually investing in the different index, ETF, and bond funds they offer?

I eat bacon 6 mornings a week, and my friends tell me the same thing. I got my labs results back last week: I am the healthiest patient my doctor has. He told to keep doing whatever the hell I was doing. Just food for thought.

An immediate step, and an easy win would be to pay off your credit card before the interest kicks in. I'm assuming the $8,000 is an emergency fund, so use $1500 from there to pay off the card, and then replace it ASAP.

Check the sidebar for an emergency fund guideline for sure, then read Bogleheads Guide to Investing to educate yourself a bit more on the subject. Index Funds are going to be your best bet. Also, fucking awesome job graduating with no debt. You are way ahead of most people your age.

Graduated in May 2012. Most important advice I received was to continue living like a broke college student while slightly upgrading the quality of food that you buy at the grocery store to keep yourself healthy. And budgeting. For the love of God. Learn how to do it.